September 12 / August 31
1. The Feast of the Cincture of the Holy Theotokos
After her Dormition, the Holy Theotokos gave her cincture to the Apostle Thomas. That cincture was later brought to Constantinople and kept in a sealed reliquary in the Church of the Mother of God at Blachernae, founded by Empress Pulcheria. This reliquary was not opened until the time of Emperor Leo the Wise (886–912). Leo’s wife, Empress Zoe, became mentally ill and, in accord with a heavenly vision, she desired that the cincture of the Most-holy Theotokos be placed on her. The emperor implored the patriarch, and the reliquary was opened. Then the cincture was removed and placed on the ailing empress. The empress was healed immediately. Today’s feast was instituted in commemoration of that miracle. Currently, one part of the cincture is to be found in Zugdidi, Georgia, because the daughter of Emperor Romanus was healed by the aid of this cincture—and when her father married her to the Georgian Emperor Abuchaz, she took part of the cincture with her. By order of the Russian Emperor Alexander I, a special church was built at Mingrelia, in Zugdidi, where that relic of the miracle-working garment of the Most-holy Theotokos is kept.
2. Saint Gennadius, Patriarch of Constantinople
Gennadius succeeded St. Anatolius as patriarch. He was a contemporary of St. Marcian (January 10) and St. Daniel the Stylite (December 11). During his time, the glorious Studite Monastery was founded. It was named for the Roman Senator Studius, who came to Constantinople and, with the bless- ing of Patriarch Gennadius, built the Church of St. John the Forerunner and the monastery beside it. Gennadius was very gentle and restrained. He refused to ordain those who did not know the Psalter by heart. He presided at a local council in Constantinople, at which simony in the Church was anathematized. He worked miracles, and had a vision that foretold his death. Gennadius governed the Church for thirteen years, and peacefully presented himself to the Lord in the year 471.
3. The Hieromartyr Cyprian, Bishop of Carthage (258)
Cyprian was born of unbelieving parents, and was himself educated in polytheism. He became famous in Carthage as a teacher of philosophy and rhetoric. He was married, but when he became a Christian he ceased to live with his wife, dedicating himself to the constant study of Holy Scripture and to spiritual perfection. Because of his unusual virtues, he was chosen as a presbyter and soon after that as a bishop. He was as merciful toward Christians as he was firm toward heretics. Guided by the Holy Spirit, he wrote many works of instruction. He wrote against idolatry, Judaism, and the Novatian heresy with especial vehemence. His works on virginity are especially beautiful and sweet, as are also his writings on martyrdom, charity, patience, the Lord’s Prayer and other edifying themes. He was martyred, and reposed in the time of Valerian, in the year 258. Before his death he prayed to God, blessed the people, and left twenty-five gold coins to be given to the executioner who would behead him—the astonishing greatness and generosity of a true Christian!
4. Saint John, Metropolitan of Kiev
John was a Bulgarian by birth. He came to Kiev in the year 1080 and immediately attained such esteem that he was soon elevated to the throne of the Metropolitan. John governed the Church for eight years. He wrote an epistle to Pope Clement, in which he reprimanded him for the innovations that had been introduced by the Roman Church. He died peacefully in the year 1089.
- Paulinus, bishop of Trier (358).
- Aidan, bishop of Lindisfarne (651).
- Gennadius Scholarius, patriarch of Constantinople (ca. 1372).
- New Martyrs of Jasenovac (Serbia) (1941-1945).
HYMN OF PRAISE
The Holy Hieromartyr Cyprian
Pride of Carthage and adornment of the whole Church,
Before and after his repose,
Cyprian the priest Instructed the faithful in word and deed,
Especially praising the pure and chaste.
“Chastity is the sanctification of the members,” said he.
“It is freedom from the chains of passion,
And the source of purity,
the adornment of morality!
It is the body’s dignity and the cincture of modesty;
Chastity is the peace of the home, the crown of harmony,
Chastity is silence, and the absence of tension.
When the spirit of man retreats from the body,
And enters into its own realm,
And knows the lasting consolation of inner peace,
It does not let the body intrude
With insane passions and varied desires,
Excessive cares and vapid luxuries.
For us, a bejewelled woman does not signify luxury,
But proclaims an impure soul and its sinfulness.”
O golden freedom from vain desires—
Precious treasure of a saint!
Chastity is freedom, chastity is silence:
These are gifts from the Son of God!
O Son of God, O Good Lord,
Grant us the glory of chastity and freedom.
To read the Reflection, Contemplation, and Homily for this day,
you can purchase your copy of the Prologue of Ohrid at our St. Sebastian Bookstore
or download our Kindle E-Book version at Amazon.com.